Senior Propulsion Engineer

1w1 week ago

Castelion

Torrance, US · Full-time · $150,000 – $200,000

About this role

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems where execution matters more than ever. The Senior Propulsion Engineer owns the design of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures as well as key propulsion components. This role drives technically sound designs meeting aggressive schedule, affordability, and production goals.

Translate project objectives into cost-effective designs produced at scale the Castelion way. Spearhead innovative solid rocket motor designs with autonomy even with limited guidance. Actively engage in assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototypes and production builds.

Use rapid iteration cycles to validate product performance and make design adjustments. Produce, evaluate, and authorize CAD models and drawings per internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009. Collaborate with supply chain to ensure support and mitigate risks from availability or delays.

Join at an early stage to directly shape critical systems and influence major technical decisions. Deliver real capability, not just concepts, with focus and technical excellence as decisive advantages. Achieve immediate, real-world impact in a team building for speed and scale.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or physics
5+ years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience (student project team, university rocketry club and internship experience counts)
Proficient in test methods/setups, with the ability to conduct trade studies using engineering fundamentals to make informed recommendations, even with limited information
Extensive experience working with aerospace materials (including metals, plastics, and composites) and solid understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components
Skilled in CAD software (NX 8.5 or similar packages like PTC Creo, CATIA) with expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-1994
Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces, including knowledge of insensitive munitions protocols and practices
Hands-on experience supporting rapid product development, including designing hardware for high-rate production in alternative non-aerospace domains
Currently hold an active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher

Responsibilities

Translate project objectives into cost-effective designs that can be produced at scale – the Castelion way
Spearhead the creation of innovative solid rocket motor designs, demonstrating autonomy even with limited expert guidance
Actively engage in the assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of prototypes and production builds, providing expert guidance as necessary
Use rapid iteration cycles to validate product performance and facilitate necessary design adjustments
Produce, evaluate, and authorize CAD models and drawings, adhering to internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009 guidelines
Provide thorough assessments and resolutions for any discrepancies in hardware, including supporting analyses when required
Collaborate with supply chain to ensure seamless support and adapt designs to mitigate availability risks and time delays